Stopped by for a quick after work drink with some coworkers and was impressed by how large this pub is. They have a pool table, fireplace, and plenty of seating at tables or the bar. Service was great and beyond friendly. Directions are a bit weird as your gps will tell you to cut through the Exxon gas station and it's easier to just go to the next light and turn right into their parking lot. I ordered their fried pickles and these are on my top 5 for crispness, ability to hold breading, and overall flavor. A must try. read more

Willie McBride's Restaurant and Pub - Fried pickles - Pubs Near Me - Branchburg, New Jersey

Willie's is easily one of the most welcoming establishments in the area let alone in general. Between the bartenders that add so much fun to your night and take GREAT care of you, the fantastic food off the menu that is MASSIVE, and the weekly live bands there really is no discussion Pool table, outdoor patio, live music, drink and food specials is always enough to constantly bring me back to a spot. Willie's has become a regular spot for me for many reasons. Highly recommend coming by especially on the weekends if you need a night out read more

I'm always hesitant of going to places right after coming back from the country they're based on. I spent two weeks in Ireland recently, spending most nights in pubs, so I was a both leery and excited to be going to another. Ultimately, while it scratched that itch, it obviously doesn't hit those same highs. Walking in you have the typical Irish pub decor, but with a lot more TVs. However, for the area, that's what you're looking for, as most come to watch a game with a pint. When I went, there was even a projector up to show an additional football match, though I myself was more interested in a soccer match, which they also had on. The bar staff was wonderfully friendly and let me try a couple of beers before settling on my choice for the morning. For food, Guinness Beef Stew was go-to in Ireland, so trying it here, was also very good. The broth was a bit milder and meat was less tender than what I had recently experienced, though I imagine that's just the difference between domestic/imported Guineas and Irish/American beef. It was enjoyable overall and I would certainly have it again. Willie Mcbride's is probably one of the best Irish pubs in the area and I would certainly come back again, especially since comparing to Ireland itself isn't entirely fair. read more

Willie McBride's Restaurant and Pub - Beef stew - Pubs Near Me - Branchburg, New Jersey

This was a pice of bull I hated when the employees smacked me every time I said a word. The food was crappy.

what a great night! food was great. Sugar Daddy was fantastic !!!! our Server Laura was the best server EVER!! she was so nice and accommodating. she made sure we were well taken care of all night. so friendly and genuine! we will definitely be back on a night she is working! we felt like we have known her forever!!! read more

Good overall bar experience for food and drinks! we went on a saturday night for live music. great setup. the bar has great selection of food. the truffle fries and burger were solid. overall good experience and service read more

Nice stop off after a meeting. Typical Irish Pub, as in, you've been to one....you've been to them all. Service was fast & friendly. Food was good. Grades: McBride's Pride Burger: A Nachos: B Truffle Fries: B Mayo County Mule (not pictured): A read more

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Great Time The music on St.Patricks day was really a good time. We were told the seating was first come first served. The place was crowded but it didn't matter we were seated within 20 minutes by a very friendly hostess. The food was excellent with a very large portion of Corned Beef. Our party of 4 adults will be back soon. read more

Food is medicore.... great place for drinks and to enjoy live music... prices are a lil high for drinks.... but the staff is great... lacey is awesome... read more

Literally my favorite bar! You come here and you just feel like you're at home. The service is fabulous..foods SOOO MUCH BETTER (heard there was a new chef) love Johnny Roger neo!! read more

Willie McBride's Restaurant and Pub - Love this bar! - Pubs Near Me - Branchburg, New Jersey

I have been there for an after-hours happy hour a few times and it does a great job with that. It has a pub feel. My only dinner experience was so-so. Wings were decent - on the larger side but because they were undercooked the skin was a little much. I did like that I could have half the order with sauce and half with a dry rub - that's a nice option. After 30 mins - which wasn't that big a deal because I was watching a game - but I had to ask for my main. Surprisingly the server forgot to put it in. I suspect because they rushed, the burger was undercooked which was disappointing because it had a nice flavor. The side salad was fresh. The owner (or manager?) did the right thing and comped the main so I definitely would come back. read more

Tacos Tuesday for $10 which are very good and plentiful. Service is great and plenty of beer choices including Guinness on tap

Service was good. Beer was good. Bar is amazing. I went on taco Tuesday Do not get tacos here. Stick to Irish stuff.

The food is good BUT the drinks are WEAK and EXPENSIVE at least in the evening, service is good and place is nice. The pool table brings in loud obnoxious people. read more

Hubby and son get medium cheeseburgers with fries. Always juicy. I get a quesadilla. Scrumptious. My other son gets a cheese pizza with fries. Pretty darn good pizza. Service is prompt and friendly. Good music. Lively atmosphere that doesn't put you to sleep while eating and drinking. I recommend you give it a whirl. read more

I've been in the area and going to this restaurant for 14 years, food has always been decent. 5 of us just ordered takeout ($100) and I got the balboa sandwich. It showed up with almost zero cheese and not horseradish sauce but dry horseradish. I called to ask if I could return the full sandwich for my money back. An employee picks up and tells me to hold on because he's in the middle of something. He then can't put me on hold and asks me to call back in 5 minutes. Called back, told him the situation and he let me know I was wrong and he saw the sandwich cooked the right wHe gave me attitude and called me a name as he handed me off to his manager, Neil. Neil did nothing to help the situation. I will never go back to this establishment, not because of the food but because of the way I was treated. Get better Mcbrides. read more

Willie McBride's Restaurant and Pub - Balboa - Pubs Near Me - Branchburg, New Jersey

My first time here. I wanted a Irish pub and this was placed exceeded my expectations! Huge restaurant, well laid-out. Beautiful long bar that curves around the restaurant core, like a boa around its prey. Nicely decorated. Usual pub faire. I tested out the Fish and Chips, they were excellent! Of course I paired it with. Guinness which was poured properly. Staff were pleasant and professional I went on what appeared to be a very slow Tuesday night. Looking forward to returning! read more

Good Irish bar / tavern with lots of TV screens Food is average and tasty Staff is friendly read more

This was a great place to watch the NFL playoff game. Our waiter was friendly and the place was not overly packed. Dinner was affordable - only $12 for each of our meals. We also ordered beer. It's great because the sandwiches all come with onion rings and fries, which fills you up easily. The wait was pretty long for our food and the check, but it wasn't horrible because we still got to watch the game while we waited. Definitely come here for a casual time or game night, if you're into sports. There is plenty of room at the bar or in the seating area. We sat at a high table and had a great view of everything. One negative is that the men's room is on the opposite side of the restaurant from the ladies' room, so sometimes it's inconvenient or hard to find. read more

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Really good bar food. We had wings, fries, nachos and amazing chicken tenders. Everything was cooked perfectly. read more

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Great place. Friendly great place. Went on a Sunday. Kevin the bartender was great. Will go back

One word to describe this once very fun and well run establishment! God AWFUL. The one and I literally mean 1 Bartender was just overwhelmed. And forget about seeing him again once attractive girls arrive and sit at the bar. Food orders we're screwed up and by the time we got our food and tried to have them correct their mistake, the Kitchen was Closed. Yes Closed before 9pm. If your going to run your business half ass, do us ALL a favor. Just close down. Not fair to the employees and especially not fair to the Customers who travel there thinking they will enjoy themselves, because they won't. This may also explain why the Willie Lynch Band no longer plays their. read more

We ate dinner here this past Wednesday night and the food and service was great! Our server, EJ was excellent! I had the spicy pizza and my wife had the fish and chips. I can recommend both. They also have a good beer selection. This was the 3rd time we've dined here and it's becoming our "go-to" place. read more

Not the best placemto see a band as the bar area I little small. Didn't eat there so can't comment on that but the places was packed and it was pretty early I'm a Friday. I had a ginger ale that was flat. They should check their lines. Don't think I'd go back read more

DO NOT WORK HERE IF YOU ARE A MUSICIAN. Manager is angry little man with no integrity or respect. He will cancel future shows on you without informing you if he doesn't think your music is "dancy" enough. And instead of taking responsibility for never informing you, he will just gaslight you and comment on your attitude. Absolutely unprofessional and rude without any reason. read more

I'm giving 3 stars because I've been coming here for 20 years and never had a bad meal. I'm taking away 2 stars because our server robbed us last night (March 16, 2024), charging our part of 10 $33.00 for 3 Jamison's e we didn't order. Our tab was high of course because of the size of the party and while everyone looked at the bill to see how much each couple owed, no one caught the over charge. I was at one end of the table and my wife was at the other. My end had 3 Bourbons and they were there at $45.00. When I saw the $33.00 charge, I assumed the ladies at the other end ordered them. This morning, I will be telling all of our friends about this and encouraging them to stop going to Willie's too. While the owner probably would give us our money back, my thought is if this practice is allowed, they don't deserve our patronage. For anytime reading this, if you go, check your bill for eroneous charges. To the owner, if you don't condone this practice, fire the server or any server that takes advantage of your customers or you will be out of business. Two of us eat lunch there with friends every month. You just lost $2,500.00 in lunches over $33.00, great going. So it's clear, this was malicious, not an accident. read more

We had our High School Reunion in the Mayo Room at Willie McBride's on 4/29/2023 and it exceeded everyone's expectations. From our first meeting to the night of the reunion, Neo and all his staff were accommodating and a pleasure to work with. The bartender made the best-mixed drinks, and she kept everyone's glasses filled with a smile on her face. The food was delicious, everyone kept raving about how great it was. The room was set up beautifully and the staff were both professional and attentive, meeting our every need while making sure everything ran smoothly, which made the night perfect. I highly recommend Willie McBride's to anyone who wants a venue that truly takes pride in what they do. Thanks again for a fabulous evening. read more

Willie's is the best place! All the bartenders are the great. Especially Jason! All the employees that work here are wonderful as well.

I was looking for a great fish and chips. not here. first we ordered pretzel for an appetizer. pretzel was greasy and cheese was sour. next the soda was to sweet fish was soggy and tasted like ammonia we also ordered a rubeb. The meat was thick sliced and dry. not going back there gotta say the waitress was very pleasant and helpful. read more

Amazing service and food a must go to !!! Lacey jason and vinny are phenomenal go see them thursday friday and saturdays!!!

I likely wouldn't have walked in here on my own. Mostly because I don't live around here. My best friend was celebrating her birthday last weekend and wanted to grab some beers, so she chose this place. We walked in and a bouncer-like man barked for IDs at the door then stamped our hands. We were then granted access to... An odd Irish pub. I assume the vibe is different during the day or even on non-Saturday nights. But on this particular night, a DJ was pumpin' out obnoxiously loud top 40 tunes (of today and yesteryear) as flashing lights lit up one side of the place, while several TVs offered up sports views over the bar. The bar also boasts a digital countdown clock to St. Patty's Day in case you were itching to know. We found a couple of open bar stools and chose beer flights. She had the IPA, I had the American Pride. She liked most of the ones from hers (I can't remember what she had), and I most liked the Brooklyn Lager in mine. I really wouldn't recommend the Shiners. It tasted like I was drinking bacon grease. Magic Hat and Kane were good, though. So in all: a good choice at 3/4, and cheap! The rest of the beer list was pretty solid too. I also had a Troegs Sunshine Pils before leaving. Plus the bartenders were on point. Despite always being busy, they made sure we always had our drinks (plus water!) so that was great. Definitely not a bad spot overall, but the DJ portion was off-putting. Or maybe I'm just getting old. read more

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Love Lacey the bartender- great service and always a smile. Balboa sandwich and hot pepper pizza rocks. Bring back the pitcher beer special all week! read more

Really poor experience at Willies. We used to like the place but the last couple times were unsatisfactory. Just tonight was awful. Just got back and I am sending this rating. The food wasn't good. Chicken wings were gross, I didn't finish them. First time in 50 years I didn't finish all my wings. French onion soup was cold. And that was the best part of the meal! My wife ordered a chicken Caesar salad. She thought it tasted "funny" as if it had ranch dressing. We brought to the attention to the waiter. He goes back and speaks with the chef. Comes out and claims "there is no way they put ranch on it". My wife said it didn't taste right. Married 25 years and never has she returned a meal. He said "I don't know what to say". My wife said can you just take it off the bill? He proceeds to say I can get you a new one. My wife says no thank you. He comes out with a side Caesar salad to go and hands us the bill. The Caesar salad with chicken Was on the bill! So he charged us full amount for a meal she returned. And then he brings her a side salad!!! To go!!!! We are done at this place. I still tipped the guy. So I ate 7 of 12 wings, 1/3 of my French onion and my wife ate one bite of a chicken Caesar Salad and I paid that place $40 for THAT "meal" and $6 tip. What a crap house that place has become. I am actually hoping someone from there reaches out about this. I am pissed that I paid for the meal. Trust me, unless something major changes, I will never go back there again!! read more

So finally get a date night with the spouse....they ran out of gluten free chicken. So I got to watch my hubs eat his dinner. Furious. Will never go back. Do not go here if you are gluten free read more

I really want to love this place, I do .... I live down the street. The food sucks tho ... the menu never changes. It's an Irish pub with shitty Irish food. The wraps are not good. I got a chicken Cesar wrap and the chicken was nervy, my friend got chicken tenders and they were rubbery, I imagine my tires taste better .... thank god the bartenders and waitstaff are excellent ... management needs to reconsider their plan .... read more

Willie's is the best!! Roger is the most attentive, friendly & outgoing bartender that we have ever had!!! We will definitely be back for delicious appetizers, great football vibes & Rogers smiling face! :) read more

great place to watch the game and enjoy some great food and cold beer. Been coming here for years and will continue to come. Shoutout to Roger behind the bar for highlighting our experience everytime read more

Our server nick was extremely polite and everything was delicious ! I will be back again!

Overall a good experience. Apps came out quick and were tasty. Great wings! Nice featured cocktail menu. The Jame-O Juice was really tasty. Huge portions for the kids menu items. You'll leave with leftovers. Go Sunday and your kids will eat free under 10. Very welcoming atmosphere and our server was amazing. Jason was on point the whole time. Dinner was excellent. Only knock was my burger was well done, when I asked for medium. Not surprising though as many restaurants aire on the side of caution when cooking burgers. read more

Nice atmosphere, good food. The live music was a bit too loud for us but we also were right next to it. Will be going back with more friends! read more